The basics

About Adrian

The Maples, Pinckney coach Rod Beaton says, are a lot like last week’s opponent, Tecumseh, whom the Pirates beat 35-10 last week. “They’re a physical team, they like to run the ball and they have some very good athletes,” he said. Among them is sophomore Antwan Ficklen Jr. “He’s a do-it-all athlete for them,” Beaton said.

About Pinckney

The Pirates offense has been anchored by quarterback Jack Wurzer, who has thrown for 913 yards this season, with 793 of those yards going to Nick Cain (436) and Alex Wasyl (357). Wurzer is a threat to run, with six rushing scores this season, and Levi Collins has rushed for 717 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. “We have some guys who create some matchup problems,” Beaton said. “It’s a testament to our kids and (offensive co-coordinator Cody) Patton. He and (co-coordinator Jesse) Cogwell have done an unbelievable job getting this offense going.”

The Pirates’ big zero

That would be the number of interceptions thrown by Wurzer in 85 passes so far this season. “A lot of it has to do with his confidence and preparation,” Beaton said. “The beautiful thing about Jack is he doesn’t get too up and he doesn’t get too down. He’s very even keeled in what he does.”

A lot on the line

Pinckney can clinch a playoff spot for the second year in a row with a win, something the Pirates have never done. They can also clinch at least a share of the SEC White title with a win, their first league title since 1995. “I’ve talked to the kids about the opportunity to compete for a league championship, which we haven’t been able to do since 1995,” Beaton said. “To be able to cement themselves in the history and legacy of the school for that, not as pressure, but to use it as fuel this week, to continue to play the way we’ve been playing this year.”

CHELSEA — For the Pinckney football team, Friday’s game at Chelsea was the worst in w0ulda-coulda-shoulda. The Pirates scored on their first possession and held the Bulldogs at bay until [CLICK TO READ MORE]